Bevespi Aerosphere Available for Long-Term COPD Maintenance

Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate; AstraZeneca) inhalation aerosol is now available for the long-term, maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It was initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2016.

Bevespi Aerosphere combines glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic, and formoterol fumarate, a long-acting beta2-agonist. Glycopyrrolate exhibits pharmacological effects through inhibition of the M3 receptor at the smooth muscle leading to bronchodilation. Formoterol fumarate has a rapid onset of action and acts locally in the lung as a bronchodilator. It inhibits release of mast cell mediators (eg, histamines, leukotrienes), from the lung.